Leona’s voice, tinged with caution, broke the momentary silence. “Seven, do you accept the Fortier family now?”

  Seven gazed at Sadra before turning back to Leona. “Madam Leona, I have a few conditions: first, whether it’s the Shahis or Katherine, the Fortiers must not interfere with or object to my relationship with them. Second, I won’t be compelled into fulfilling obligations I do not wish to undertake. Third, after leaving the military, my pursuits remain my own. If they are acceptable, I will recognize the Fortiers.”

  Although his terms were directed to Leona, Alain, as patriarch, stepped in. His countenance gentled, and his baritone carried the weight of sincerity. “My grandson, we’ll spend the rest of our lives making it up to you. Without reservation, we agree to your requests.”

  He paused, then glanced at Katherine. “Furthermore, we owe an eternal debt to your adoptive parents for raising you into such a fine young man. If Katherine isn’t opposed, it would be an honor if she accepted us as her extended family as well.”

  Seven’s stoicism eased, a faint curve tugging at the corners of his lips. “Grandpa, you’ll need to ask Katherine if she’s on board.”

  Alain turned to her, his manner coaxing, “Katherine, you heard what I said to your brother. Would you grant us the joy of knowing what it feels like to have a granddaughter?”

  Katherine’s brows furrowed, anxiety etched on her delicate features. After a long pause, she started, “Before I give you an answer, I need to tell you something.”

  She cleared her throat, gathering herself for what she was about to say. “My parents weren’t pure-hearted when they adopted him. They had me late in life, and my mother’s health was fragile. They adopted him to protect and care for me when they could no longer do so themselves. From the age of five, he endured grueling training—all for my sake. Do you still believe you owe them a debt?”

  Alain grew pensive as he absorbed her words. But then, she heard him say, “No matter the reason, isn’t your brother an extraordinary and principled man?”

  A small laugh slipped from her. “Yes, you’re right.”

  “Katherine,” Alain went on, his timbre reassuring, “I’m certain your parents disciplined your brother with the best intentions. They raised him well; we could not have done better. I hope this allays your reservations.”

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  After reflecting, Katherine’s eyes gleamed with warmth. “Grandpa Alain, if Seven accepts the Fortiers, so will I.”

  Broad smiles lit Alain, Amélie, and Leona’s faces as they exchanged delighted glances.

  Leona’s excitement bubbled over as she asked Alain, “Dad, shall we organize a reunion ceremony for Seven and an integration ceremony for Katherine?”

  As the words fell, Seven immediately raised his objection. “Madam Leona, it’s a little complicated at the moment. Could we hold this off for now?”

  Leona’s enthusiasm faltered briefly, and she appeared visibly hurt. “Seven! My son! I’ve failed you, and I understand if you won’t forgive me. But I hope that one day, you will truly see me as your mother.”

  A flicker of realization crossed his mind, and his tone softened. “Mother, none of what happened was your fault. Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s focus on making happy, unforgettable memories starting now.”

  Leona, now teary-eyed, inquired, “Son, before you were born, we named you ‘Landry.’ Would you… consider taking it as your name?”

  Seven instinctively looked to Sadra, who gave him an almost imperceptible nod. “Could I take it as my middle name instead?” Seven proposed diplomatically.

  Leona noticed their subtle exchange but chose not to probe. She smiled warmly and agreed, “That works, too.”

  As the conversation settled, Sadra glanced at the clock and suggested, “Alain, today is a momentous day for the Fortiers. Shall I have the kitchen prepare a celebratory dinner?”

  At the prospect of spending more time with his grandson, Alain was over the moon. “That would be wonderful, Sadra. I hope it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Not at all,” Sadra replied. “Are there any dietary restrictions or preferences we should know about?”

  “We’re fine with anything,” Alain said gratefully.

  With that, Ami excused herself to make the arrangements.

  As she left, Sadra’s thoughts snagged on yesterday’s celebration. “Alain, it’s a pity you missed Katherine’s birthday party yesterday.”

  “Oh?” Leona’s curiosity was aroused. “How old are you, Katherine?”

  Katherine murmured, “I’m 24, Madam Leona.”

  Leona blinked at the formal address before she collected herself. “Katherine, I’m not trying to replace your mother, but I hope we can build a close relationship over time.”

  Reading between the lines, Katherine’s gaze softened. “Would it be alright if I called you Aunt Leona for now?”

  Leona’s eyes curved into crescents. “It sure beats being called Madam Leona!”

  Amélie, eager to get to know her new granddaughter, chimed in. “Katherine, your brother has a girlfriend. What about you?”

  Kimi’s heart skipped a beat. Before Katherine could respond, he interjected, “Grandma Amélie, she is my fiancée.”

  Katherine shot him a mock glare, her expression a fusion of exasperation and amusement. Meanwhile, Alain chuckled. “Sadra, your family’s genes are impressive! Both my grandchildren are captivated by your son and daughter.”

  Sadra’s laughter boomed. “Alain, I think it’s the other way around.”

  At Sadra’s reaction, Alain nodded with a knowing look. “No matter which way it is, as long as they love each other well, that’s all that matters.”

  The room erupted into cheers, the earlier tension dissolving into mirth and warmth.

  A/N 1:

  A/N 2:

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